Dear Parents, Students, and Alumni,
March 2019
We are honored and humbled that Schechter Westchester will be renamed The Leffell School. Schechter Westchester has been our home since 1992. Our children, Ben, Adam, Lauren, and Ari and our daughter-in-law Jenn, learned in a supportive, academically rigorous environment nurtured by outstanding teachers where they gained the foundation of their Jewish knowledge and identity. Our closest friends are parents that we met on Ben’s first day of kindergarten 27 years ago. Schechter Westchester has an enormous place in our hearts.
Schechter Westchester’s beautiful campuses serve as a backdrop for the outstanding learning experienced by our students each and every day. Yet, our school is so much more than its buildings, equipment, curriculum, and programming. Schechter Westchester is, before anything else, a kehilah of people joining forces to enrich the lives of the students who seek a rich Jewish education.
Rabbi Elazar said Rabbi Hanina said: Torah scholars increase peace in the world, as it is said: “And all your children [banayich] shall be taught of Adonai, and great shall be the peace of your children.” (Isa. 54:13) Do not read ‘your children’ [banayich], but ‘your builders’ [bonayich]. -Berakhot 64a: 1-15 Leading the school as Board of Trustees President, envisioning and creating the High School, and volunteering in the classroom have enriched our lives tremendously. In the face of so much distraction in the world, our children, the builders and future of our community, are a source of hope and strength. Thank you for naming the school in honor of our family. We look forward to seeing The Leffell School flourish.
Warmly,
Lisa and Michael Leffell